How did the Mughal Empire’s trade networks connect Indian cities and seaports?

The Mughal Empire connected its internal cities and coastal seaports through a sophisticated infrastructure of roads, waterways, and financial systems that facilitated both domestic and international trade.12

Infrastructure and Connectivity

The foundation of this network was a system of roads, notably expanded from routes established by Sher Shah of Sur, which linked major inland commercial hubs like Agra, Lahore, Delhi, and Ahmedabad to key seaports. For instance, Lahore and Multan served as gateways to the ports at the mouth of the Indus River, while other routes connected the interior to major coastal centers such as Surat and the ports of Bengal.32

Commercial Integration

The empire’s economic growth was supported by:
* Market Networks: A hierarchy of grain markets (mandīs), bazaars, and small fortified towns (qaṣbahs) acted as collection points for agricultural goods, which were then transported to larger cities and ports.2
* Financial Systems: The use of bills of exchange, known as hundīs, allowed for the secure transfer of revenue and capital, integrating the fiscal system with a network of money changers (ṣarrāfs).2
* Maritime Trade: Ports in regions like Gujarat, Sindh, and the Coromandel Coast served as vital nodes, exporting textiles, spices, and indigo to global markets.1